SAPD: Murder cases continue to drop

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Police Department classified at least 73 homicides as “murder” in 2013, a number that dropped 18 percent compared to the year prior, according to statistics from the department.

The tally doesn't include all slayings, like those deemed justifiable homicides, because of the way crimes are reported to the FBI.

And while any homicides are difficult to prevent, police are focusing on catalysts like drug and gang activity in an effort to keep the numbers on a decline, the chief said.